Field Trip Programs

Innovative dockside and at-sea programs are offered aboard the Pilgrim and Spirit of Dana Point. Our living history programs, beyond teaching history, allow students to become sailors in Revolutionary War America, hide gatherers of R.H. Dana’s Two Years Before the Mast, and Argonauts traveling to the California Gold Rush to make their fortunes. Programs at-sea include Catalina sailing adventures and hands-on day-sails aboard the Spirit of Dana Point.

Since the 1980’s the Ocean Institute has partnered with the Lazy W Ranch to offer unique residential outdoor education experiences for students.

The Lazy W Ranch has accommodations for up to 140 people and is located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains outside of San Juan Capistrano. Surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest, it provides a remote wilderness setting while being easily accessible from Orange, LA, San Diego, and Riverside Counties.

Since 1977, the Ocean Institute has used the ocean as its classroom to inspire children to learn. By examining the natural world around them, students experience science through an inquiry-based, immersive learning model.

Let the Ocean Institute bring the ocean into your classroom! For over 25 years, our Visiting Classroom programs have brought engaging, educational activities to local students. These programs replicate the unique, immersive style of learning that students experience at the Ocean Institute. This is not a lecture or auditorium presentation. Students explore the world of science with hand-on activities and interactions with live tide pool animals. These programs provide a cost effective way for students to participate in a rich science experience.

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